Operations Manager – Distribution Centre Bellville, Cape Town

Operations Manager – Distribution Centre
Bellville, Cape Town

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager is responsible for the overall performance, efficiency, and compliance of the warehouse and transport operations within the Distribution Centre. This includes ensuring operational excellence, cost control, staff management, asset performance, and customer service delivery in line with company standards.
The role ensures a safe, compliant, and efficient multi-temperature logistics environment that supports end-to-end supply chain solutions aligned to customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities1. Operational & Cost Management

• Manage warehouse and transport operations within approved budgetary parameters.
• Control labour, equipment, maintenance, and operational expenditure against KPIs.
• Monitor and investigate cost overruns and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure accurate recording of all expenditure within the correct financial periods.
• Maintain accurate operational and financial reporting.

2. Warehouse Operations (Receiving & Picking)

• Ensure picking and receiving accuracy consistently meets agreed performance targets.
• Allocate appropriate resources according to operational plans.
• Maintain proper pallet identification, traceability, and warehouse organisation.
• Ensure the warehouse floor is prepared and organised before operational activities commence.

3. Process Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure full compliance with company policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Maintain warehouse quality standards in line with internal and external requirements.
• Ensure successful completion of internal and external audits.
• Address and close all audit findings within required timeframes.
• Conduct regular on-the-job assessments to ensure staff compliance and competence.

4. Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in productivity, cost efficiency, service levels, and quality.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement sustainable improvements.

5. Facilities, Equipment & Maintenance

• Oversee maintenance of warehouses, buildings, racking, refrigeration systems, MHE, and fleet equipment.
• Ensure preventative maintenance schedules are adhered to.
• Maintain assets in clean, safe, and operational condition at all times.
• Ensure a clean, organised, and well-maintained warehouse environment.

6. Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and food safety regulations.
• Maintain operational readiness of fire systems, sprinklers, refrigeration, and generators.
• Conduct regular inspections of equipment, racking, and safety systems.
• Lead food safety compliance in line with FSSC 22000 standards.
• Act as Food Safety Team leader and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure full audit readiness and compliance with all regulatory requirements.

7. Planning & Reporting

• Develop and manage daily and weekly operational plans.
• Ensure effective resource allocation aligned to operational requirements.
• Provide accurate daily and weekly performance reports (plan vs actual).
• Analyse and explain variances against budget and operational plans.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes.

8. Risk Management

• Ensure fire protection, sprinkler systems, and emergency equipment are fully operational.
• Maintain refrigeration systems, generators, and critical infrastructure.
• Conduct routine rack inspections and safety checks.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and industry standards.

9. People Management

• Lead, manage, and develop warehouse and transport teams.
• Conduct monthly team meetings and one-on-one performance reviews.
• Ensure staff training, competence, and certification requirements are maintained.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and performance excellence.

Minimum Requirements

• 10–12 years’ experience in Warehousing and Distribution Management within FMCG or QSR environments.
• Grade 12 plus a tertiary qualification (Logistics Management or related field – Degree / Honours / Postgraduate Diploma compulsory).
• Advanced MS Office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Strong financial, operational, and people management capability.

Work Location: In person